Bearing having nickel-tin-copper barrier layer

Abstract

The heavy-duty performance of babbitt-lined, copper-lead based journal bearings is improved by a novel trimetallic barrier layer interposed between the babbitt and copper-lead layers. The trimetallic barrier layer contains the elements nickel, tin and copper in suitable proportions. In a preferred embodiment, the barrier layer consists of layers of nickel, tin and copper metals successively plated over the copper-lead base.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows: 
     
       1. A journal bearing having a working surface of lead-tin alloy, a durable metal backing and a plurality of layers therebetween, said layers comprising in sequential order from the working surface inwardly towards the backing; a copper layer; a tin layer; a nickel layer and a copper-lead alloy layer, wherein said copper layer is at least as thick as said tin layer and wherein the thickness of the copper layer is about 25 to 150 microinches; the thickness of the tin layer is about 25 to 50 microinches; and the thickness of the nickel layer is about 50 to 100 microinches. 
     
     
       2. A heavy-duty journal bearing comprising a working surface of babbitt which consists essentially of about 15 weight percent tin and the balance lead, an underlayer consisting essentially of about 25 weight percent lead and the balance copper and a backing layer of steel; wherein said bearing an electroplated trilaminate barrier layer is interposed between said babbitt and copper-lead layers which barrier layer comprises a first layer of copper about 25 to 150 microinches thick; a second layer of tin about 25 to 50 microinches thick, and a third layer of nickel about 50 to 100 microinches thick.